Yorkshire Terrier
The Good
- Get along excellently with other pets
- Good with children
- Miniature size perfect for apartments
- Minimal noticeable shedding
The Real
- Need frequent brushing and grooming
- Require regular professional grooming
- Need warm clothing for cold weather
- Can be excessive barkers
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Yorkshire Terrier, or "Yorkie" as they're lovingly known, is living proof that big personalities come in small packages. Standing just 18-20 cm tall and weighing up to 3.2 kg, these tiny terriers pack more attitude per kilogram than just about any other breed you'll find.
Don't let their dainty appearance fool you - beneath that floor-length, silky coat beats the heart of a true terrier. Originally bred to chase rodents in English textile mills, Yorkies have retained their feisty, brave nature despite becoming fashionable lapdogs. They're the kind of dog that thinks they're much larger than they actually are, which can be both endearing and occasionally problematic when they try to take on dogs ten times their size!
In Australian homes, Yorkies adapt beautifully to our varied lifestyles. They're equally happy in a Sydney apartment or a Brisbane suburban home, though they'll need a warm coat during Melbourne's chilly winters. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them wonderful companions for families, singles, and retirees alike. Just be prepared for a dog with opinions - Yorkies are known for being a bit bossy and will definitely let you know when something's not to their liking. They're also natural watchdogs with surprisingly loud voices for such small bodies, making them excellent little alarm systems for your home.
History
History
The Yorkshire Terrier's story begins in the industrial heartland of 19th century England, specifically in Yorkshire and Lancashire counties during the 1800s. These weren't always the pampered lapdogs we see today - they started as working-class heroes with a very practical job.
Scottish weavers who migrated to England brought with them small terrier breeds that would become the foundation of the modern Yorkie. These industrious little dogs earned their keep in textile mills and coal mines, where their small size was perfect for squeezing into tight spaces to hunt rats and mice. The mill workers used to joke that the dogs' fine, silky coats were the ultimate product of their looms - a testament to both the dogs' beautiful appearance and their working-class roots.
The breed we know today was largely shaped by a dog called Huddersfield Ben, who became the foundation sire and helped establish the breed type. Initially called "Scotch Terriers" or "broken-haired Scotch Terriers," they earned their proper name in 1870 when a reporter declared they should be called Yorkshire Terriers "for having been so improved here."
The transformation from working dog to fashionable companion happened during the Victorian era, when proper English ladies discovered these charming little dogs. As they became more popular as pets, breeders began selecting for smaller size, gradually creating the tiny companions we know today. The breed made its way to Australia much later, becoming increasingly popular in our urban centres where their compact size suits apartment living perfectly.
Traits & Characteristics
Yorkshire Terrier characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy little dogs with lifespans of 11-16 years, but like many toy breeds, they do have some specific health considerations that Australian owners should be aware of.
One of the most serious concerns in young Yorkies is hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), which can be life-threatening in puppies. Signs include weakness, lack of appetite, disorientation, tremors, or seizures. This is why Yorkie puppies need frequent small meals throughout the day, and it's crucial to work with an experienced vet who understands toy breeds.
Dental disease is particularly common in Yorkies due to their small mouths. Regular teeth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste is essential, and many Australian owners find that professional dental cleanings are needed more frequently than with larger breeds. The good news is that most Australian vet clinics are well-equipped to handle these procedures safely.
Other conditions to watch for include luxating patella (kneecap dislocation), tracheal collapse (which causes a distinctive honking cough), and liver shunts - a birth defect affecting blood flow through the liver. Responsible Australian breeders will screen for these conditions and provide health certificates for breeding dogs.
Due to their tiny size, Yorkies don't handle anaesthesia as well as larger dogs, so it's important to find a vet experienced with toy breeds. Pet insurance is definitely worth considering for Yorkies, as their medical needs can be quite specific and sometimes costly. Many Australian pet insurance companies now offer policies specifically designed for small breeds, which can provide peace of mind for Yorkie parents.
Feeding a Yorkshire Terrier properly is crucial for their health and wellbeing, and their tiny size means you need to be particularly careful about portion control and meal frequency. In Australia, you'll find plenty of high-quality commercial dog foods suitable for toy breeds, which is often the easiest way to ensure your Yorkie gets balanced nutrition.
Look for kibble specifically designed for small mouths - the pieces should be tiny enough for your Yorkie to chew comfortably. Many Australian pet stores stock premium small-breed formulas that are perfectly sized and nutritionally balanced for dogs under 4kg. Adult Yorkies typically do well with two to three small meals per day, while puppies need three to four meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Because Yorkies are prone to hypoglycaemia, especially as puppies, consistent meal timing is essential. Never let a young Yorkie go too long without eating, and always have a small amount of food available if you notice any signs of low blood sugar. Many Australian Yorkie owners keep a small tube of high-energy gel (available from pet stores) on hand for emergencies.
Treats are wonderful for training these intelligent little dogs, but calories add up quickly in such small bodies. Stick to the 10% rule - treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. This might mean breaking training treats into tiny pieces, but your Yorkie will be just as motivated by a crumb-sized reward as a whole biscuit.
Fresh water should always be available, and many Yorkies prefer drinking from elevated bowls that are easier on their necks. If you're considering a raw or home-cooked diet, work closely with a canine nutritionist to ensure proper balance - it's particularly tricky to get the proportions right for such tiny dogs.
Here's where owning a Yorkshire Terrier becomes a real commitment - their gorgeous coat is their crowning glory, but it requires serious dedication to maintain. That silky, floor-length coat is more like human hair than typical dog fur, which means it needs to be treated accordingly.
If you're keeping your Yorkie in full coat (like you see in dog shows), you're looking at daily brushing with a pin brush and metal comb to prevent tangles and mats. Most Australian pet owners find this impractical and opt for a shorter "puppy cut" that's much more manageable - this still needs brushing once or twice a week, but it's far less demanding.
Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is pretty much essential for Yorkies. Australian grooming salons are well-versed in Yorkie cuts, from practical short styles to more elaborate show trims. Expect to budget around $80-120 per session depending on your location and the complexity of the cut.
Bathing should happen every 2-3 weeks using a gentle, moisturising dog shampoo - their skin can be quite sensitive. Many Australian owners find that Yorkies are prone to tear staining around the eyes, so daily cleaning with a damp cloth or specialised eye wipe helps keep them looking their best.
The hair around their eyes needs constant attention - either kept very short or tied up with small bands or clips to prevent eye irritation. Those adorable topknots you see aren't just for show - they're actually functional!
Don't forget about nail trimming every few weeks and weekly ear cleaning. Because Yorkies are so small, many Australian mobile groomers offer home services, which can be less stressful for your little mate. During our cooler months, especially in Melbourne and Canberra, you'll need to invest in some warm coats and jumpers - this isn't just fashion, it's necessity for these tiny dogs.
Despite their small stature, Yorkshire Terriers are surprisingly intelligent and trainable, though they definitely have their own ideas about how things should be done. These little dogs are eager to please but can be quite stubborn when they want to be, so patience and consistency are key to successful training.
Start socialisation early and keep it positive. Australian puppy preschool classes are brilliant for Yorkies - they help build confidence and teach proper manners around other dogs and people. Because they think they're much bigger than they are, early socialisation prevents them from developing "small dog syndrome" where they become overly aggressive or yappy.
Exercise needs are moderate but important. A couple of 20-30 minute walks daily will keep most Yorkies happy, plus some indoor play time. They love games like fetch (with appropriately sized toys) and are surprisingly good at agility training. Many Australian dog training clubs offer small dog classes where your Yorkie can show off their terrier spirit safely.
The good news for apartment dwellers is that Yorkies can be litter trained like cats, which is incredibly handy during Melbourne's unpredictable weather or Brisbane's summer storms. This doesn't replace outdoor walks - they still need fresh air and mental stimulation - but it's a great backup option.
Mental stimulation is crucial for these bright little dogs. Puzzle toys, nose work games, and training sessions help prevent boredom-related behaviours like excessive barking. Speaking of barking - this is one area where training is essential. Yorkies are natural watchdogs with surprisingly loud voices, which doesn't always go down well with neighbours in Australian suburban areas. Teaching a "quiet" command early will save everyone's sanity.
Remember, positive reinforcement works best with Yorkies. They respond beautifully to praise and tiny treats, but harsh corrections will just make them shut down or become more stubborn.
Who is an ideal owner?
Yorkshire Terriers are perfect for quite a specific type of person or family, and understanding whether you fit the bill is crucial before bringing one home. These little dogs thrive with owners who can appreciate their big personalities in small packages and are prepared for the grooming commitment that comes with that gorgeous coat.
They're ideal for people living in apartments or smaller homes - many urban Australians find Yorkies perfect companions for city living. Retirees often love Yorkies because they're small enough to manage easily but still provide wonderful companionship and entertainment. Young professionals in cities like Sydney and Melbourne appreciate that Yorkies can adapt to apartment life and don't need enormous amounts of exercise.
Families with older children (8+ years) often do well with Yorkies, but they're not ideal for homes with toddlers who might accidentally hurt them during play. These dogs are sturdy for their size, but they're still very small and can be injured by rough handling.
You need to be prepared for a dog with opinions. Yorkies can be bossy, and they're definitely not wallflowers. They want to be involved in everything you do and aren't content to be ignored. If you want a quiet, low-maintenance pet, a Yorkie probably isn't for you.
The grooming commitment is significant - either you'll need to learn to do basic trimming yourself or budget for professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. They also need daily brushing if kept in longer coats, or at least several times a week with shorter cuts.
Yorkies aren't suitable for people who are away from home for very long periods. They're companion dogs who can develop separation anxiety if left alone too much. They're also not ideal for anyone wanting a jogging partner or hiking companion - while they're surprisingly energetic, their exercise needs are quite different from larger, more athletic breeds.
Interesting facts about the Yorkshire Terrier
Interesting Fact
The smallest dog ever recorded was a Yorkshire Terrier from the 1940s, standing just 7.11 cm tall and weighing only 113 grams - earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
During World War II, a Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky became a war hero, weighing just 1.8 kg and standing 18 cm tall
Found in an abandoned foxhole in New Guinea, Smoky helped lay communication cables through underground tunnels and earned eight battle stars for her service..
Interesting Fact
Smoky also became the world's first therapy dog, helping wounded soldiers recover in hospitals after the war, pioneering what we now know as animal-assisted therapy.
Interesting Fact
Yorkshire Terriers can make a unique sound called "reverse sneezing" that sounds like honking or snorting - it's completely harmless and usually happens when they're excited or react to irritants like pollen or dust.
FAQ
Yorkshire Terriers typically live 11-15 years on average, with many reaching their mid-teens when well cared for. Their small size often contributes to their longevity compared to larger breeds.
Full-grown Yorkies reach 18-20 cm in height and weigh up to 3.2 kg (7 pounds). They're truly tiny dogs that fit comfortably in most living situations.
While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, Yorkies can be suitable for some allergy sufferers because their coat is more like human hair than typical dog fur, and they shed very little. Spend time with the breed first to test your reaction.
Yorkshire Terrier puppies from reputable breeders typically cost $800-2,500, with show-quality dogs potentially costing more. You can also find Yorkies through rescue organisations for adoption fees around $200-500.
Absolutely! Yorkies are ideal apartment dogs due to their tiny size and moderate exercise needs. They're popular in cities like Sydney and Melbourne where space is at a premium.
A couple of short walks (20-30 minutes each) plus some indoor playtime is usually sufficient. They're active little dogs but their exercise needs are easily met in most Australian suburban or urban environments.
Yes, Yorkies can be quite vocal and make excellent watchdogs despite their size. Early training to teach a "quiet" command is essential, especially in Australian neighbourhoods with close neighbours.
They cope reasonably well with mild temperatures but struggle in extreme heat or cold. In summer, avoid midday walks and provide shade. In cooler cities like Melbourne or Canberra, they'll definitely need warm coats during winter.